Manual, Diff, and Engine Oil Changes

[Jacko3]

Just completed my first transmission and diff oil changes, in addition to an engine oil change, at 19K. transmission oil still looked clean---I was impressed--some residue on magnetic stopper. Diff oil looked slightly dark but still okay to drive for another 10,000 miles or so. Lots of residue on magnetic stopper My mechanic says it is normal for most first time diff and transmission oil changes.

Though I brought my own Mobil 1 for the oil change, the dealership used their own oil for the transmission and diff. The total cost of transmission, Diff, and oil change, including oil filter, labor, and diff and transmission oil, was about $170. I was given a deep discount for the whole service. Why?

First of all, I used a Nissan dealership and not an Infiniti dealership. Maintenance on the 350z and the G-35 Coupe, are almost the same. Yet, it appears it costs less to do the same type of work on a 350Z in Nissan dealerships than it is on a G-35 Coupe at Infiniti dealerships.

I remember, I had adviced on this forum, that it is a good idea to have only 1 mechanic work on your car, and to establish a long standing and loyal relationship with the mechanic. This is how you get deep discounts. Well, today, it worked. The actual cost of the service would have been $350. I was handed the service at half price for about $170. For me, this was eye-popping.

Next month, I will working on the brakes, and my mechnic already knows that I will be there as expected. So, he now knows that he is the only one who will work on my car. I would rather tow the car to my driveway than let any other mechanic touch my car.

Also, when they do the differential oil change, make sure they use an additive they squeeze into another hole in the differential. So, the differential requires the synthetic oil plus another small tube or bottle of additive.

After the brakes, then my tires will be replaced with most likley, TOYO Proxes model. Then in July, if it has been manufactured, a non-underdrive pulley will replace the OEM pulleys. Then, the next goal will be to lower the car with Eibach or Tein springs.

Also, my mechanic says, there is no need to flush the transmission or diff. Just let the oil flow out and replace with new oil.

Note: I just got word this afternoon that there was an erro in the price they charged me. The said the actual total was about $290. Still that is a great deal and some savings from the $350 - $400 for the whole stuff.

Modified by Jacko3 at 5:57 PM 3/5/2008
Modified by Jacko3 at 9:23 AM 3/6/2008